Project Poise Participants Poised for Success

Poise is a word we don’t hear nearly enough, but for young women on the brink of adulthood, poise can give them an edge for success.

Bianca McKenzie, a 19-year-old college student, certainly thinks so, which is exactly why the Miami native spent her summer teaching more than two dozen tween girls to act confidently and elegantly in a class she dubbed Project Poise.

McKenzie launched Project Poise at the Rick and Rita Case Boys and Girls Club of Broward County and focused on building self-discipline and self-esteem through posture, public speaking, writing, dance and more.

"They really learned a lot about class and elegance. Some of these girls didn't even know how to sit properly. Through this program they learned how wondrous and beautiful they are," Linda Doomes, the club’s program director, told the Miami Herald.

The girls built up their skills at thrice-weekly meetings that ran from June to early August and their efforts culminated earlier this month when the group participated in a modeling/talent showcase, which included some runway modeling, a short movie and a dance routine to Michael Jackson's "Beat It."

According to their parents, their efforts paid off. "They are more open. They communicate better and they're more willing to talk," Sylvia Perez said of her twin daughters Innocence and Destiny Garcia, 10.

Their father, Eliezer Garcia agreed. "I think they've grown up a lot. This program gives them personality. It helps them find themselves, and they're more independent."

Independence, self-confidence and, yes, poise, are critical for success in today’s world. We’re happy some young women appear to have bright futures ahead.